Newell Beach equestrian stable offers mental health support through horses
BUSINESS FEATURE
Discover the transformative power of horses at a unique horse riding school in Newell Beach, where a remarkable initiative is making a difference for individuals tackling mental health challenges.
Meet Tam and Warren Wemyss, a couple with an unwavering love for horses, who have turned their passion into a thriving equestrian school.
At One Vision Equestrian they offer more than just horseback riding classes.
Being a registered counsellor, Tam offers equine therapy as a unique approach to healing, while Warren has developed a special approach to help people solve horse-related challenges.
How it all started
The couple's love for horses began during their childhoods.
Tam found her passion for the equestrian world at her cousin's horse racing farm in Chillagoe, while Warren’s love for horses flourished at his childhood home in Mareeba and grew as he worked on cattle stations.
Their dream of One Vision Equestrian took root only recently when Tam’s coach inspired her to become a certified horseback riding instructor.
As she casually assisted horse owners, demand for riding lessons grew, leading the couple to establish their own successful horse riding school.
Healing with horses
Tam, who also works as a guidance counsellor at a local high school, decided to combine her job with her passion for horses, offering equine-assisted therapy sessions.
She explained, “It's less confrontational than traditional therapy, where it almost feels like you’re interrogating someone. With the horse present, the conversation flows naturally as we work together”
“Some therapy clients ride as well and some don’t, it’s always up to them,” she emphasised.
“Currently, I work with many individuals with autism, helping them learn to interpret social cues.
“Horses offer a safe and non-threatening environment for mastering these skills, as interacting with these gentle animals helps them understand and practise reading social cues.
“Moreover, horses impose no demands or expectations, allowing individuals with autism to be themselves without fitting into a specific societal mould.
“The horse finds happiness in their presence, whether it's brushing them or just being together.”
A safe space
Tam’s equine therapy sessions also provide a safe space for people who have experienced severe childhood abuse to heal.
“The non-threatening approach, avoiding direct eye contact during sessions, allows clients to open up about their past without feeling ashamed. The presence of horses creates a safe and understanding space for healing.”
In addition, Tam works with kids facing physical challenges, devising exercises to build their confidence and muscle strength.
“I’m currently working with a young girl who lacks proper stomach muscles for a strong core,” Tam said.
“We start with ground exercises to build her confidence, then progress to riding, focusing on using other muscles to stay on the horse.
“If we can re-train her body to adjust to not having those muscles, it benefits not only her horse riding but also her daily life.”
Horse problem-solving
The couple is now also branching out their equestrian stable by offering a valuable service - bringing horses back into work for people who might have had their horses sitting idle in paddocks.
When going out to equestrian competitions on the weekend, the couple observed that many horse owners struggle with loading horses into horse floats, resulting in dangerous situations.
Witnessing these challenges, Warren decided to offer guidance in problem-solving, particularly in leading horses into horse floats.
He emphasised the importance of making the horse feel relaxed and learning from the release of pressure, as horses do in the wild.
“It's about making the right thing easy and the wrong thing hard. You can be firm and demanding without being cruel,” he explained.
With their shared passion and unwavering dedication, Tam and Warren are focused on expanding their equestrian community in the region, where horses become the drivers for healing, growth and meaningful connections
For more information about horseback riding classes, equine therapy or Warren’s problem-solving expertise, have a look on the One Vision Equestrian Facebook Page.
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